Philippine cacao council pushes for innovation to compete

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippine Cacao Development Council vowed to push innovation in the industry taking advantage of the rising demand for chocolate-based products around the world.

Now headed by Cebuana stakeholder Armi Lopez Garcia, Cebu is expected to lead the promotion of the cacao industry.

Garcia, who is also the honorary Consul for Russian Federation consulate office in Cebu, said she is determined to promote innovative chocolate products locally and globally.

Garcia, CEO of Cebu-based Tablea Chocolate, was recently elected National Chairperson of the Philippine Cacao Industry Development Council, December 9, 2020.

Currently, the Chairperson of the Central Visayas Regional Cacao Industry Council, Garcia was unanimously elected National Chairperson by all Regional Cacao Development Councils from all over the Philippines, in absentia, to succeed past National Chairperson Valente Turtur. She will assume her duties in January 2021.

The Philippine Cacao Development Council works closely with the Department of Agriculture with Usec Evelyn Lavina as the Co-Chairperson of the Council representing the Government Sector, together with Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology , Department of Health and the other government sectors that are crucial in attaining its vision.

Garcia launched the Tablea Chocolate, the first Chocolate Cafe in Cebu in 2010.

Tablea Chocolate pioneered the creation of homegrown, artisanal and innovative chocolate products in Cebu.

Her passion for turning heirloom recipes to world-class products has been lauded in the Philippines and internationally.

Garcia is appointed Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation in the Philippines for the Visayas since 2007 and is the first Filipino to get the Order of Friendship from President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin Palace for her efforts in improving Philippine-Russian relations.

Meanwhile, Tourism secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat expressed confidence on the potential of cacao farming as another tourism attraction.

Puyat mentioned the existence of Cacao farm in Balamban, which produces top-notch cacao specie, as a good start.

According to Puyat, Cebu-grown Cacao is different from other locations. In fact, Cacao from Cebu is gaining market traction in Belgium for production of premium chocolates.